JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri House has given initial approval to a bill that would legalize medical marijuana for many patients.

The legislation would allow anyone over age 18 dying of a terminal disease to access smokeless medical marijuana. People with cancer, Alzheimer’s, post-traumatic stress disorder and a variety of other conditions would also qualify.

Proponents say such a law would help dying patients alleviate pain and give relief to veterans struggling with the aftermath of war.

Some lawmakers say the bill doesn’t go far enough, while opponents have said marijuana should first be legalized at the federal level.

The legislation was approved Monday during a voice vote. The bill needs to be voted on again before it heads to the Senate.